NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Jeep Gladiator
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Jeep Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck - not a sedan - built on the iconic Wrangler platform and aimed squarely at off-road enthusiasts who also need genuine truck utility. Sold in model years 2020 through 2025, it occupies a niche segment as one of the few body-on-frame, convertible-roof pickups on the market, appealing to adventure-oriented buyers who want trail capability alongside everyday hauling.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 62 out of 100, an below average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
Reviewers generally praise the Gladiator for its off-road capability, open-air driving experience, and the novelty of combining Wrangler DNA with a pickup bed. Most acknowledge it sacrifices on-road refinement, fuel efficiency, and - relevant to our focus here - passive safety credentials compared to more mainstream midsize truck competitors.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14244
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V652000
Risk: An instrument panel that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between October 3, 2024, and January 23, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 30B.
Reported 2024-09-05
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY23V116000
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the clutch assembly and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed from November 16, 2023 through July 25, 2024. Owners may contact (FCA US, LLC) customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 19A. This recall expands and replaces previous recall 21V-028. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 21V-028 will need to
Reported 2023-02-23
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY21V028000
Risk: Overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will add software to reduce engine torque capability when clutch assembly temperatures rise to a level that may damage the inner pressure plate, free of charge." FCA has ordered a stop sale for the affected vehicles as of February 25, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 4, 2021.
Reported 2021-01-28
SEAT BELTS20V580000
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front seat belts fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seat belt retractors, free of charge. The recall began November 12, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W67.
Reported 2020-09-24
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V191000
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Reported 2020-09-10
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY20V124000
Risk: The overheated clutch components may increase the risk of a fire. Additionally, damage to other nearby components can result in debris falling onto the road or a loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reroute a wire harness and inspect the clutch system, and replace components as needed. The recall began April 30, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W12.
Reported 2020-03-03
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT19V636000
Risk: A joint without grease may overheat and seize, possibly causing the driveshaft to fracture, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. If the driveshaft completely separates from the vehicle it may become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began October 10, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US number for this recall is V95.
Reported 2019-08-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
478 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.